J-1 Status

It is extremely important for international students to maintain their immigration status while in the United States. Failure to maintain the terms and conditions of J-1 status may be grounds for removal from the United States and may cause difficulty re-entering the U.S. in the future.

Important Forms and Documents

The Form DS-2019 shows that you are eligible for the “J” status. It is issued by the college you are authorized to attend and shows how long you may remain in the United States. Students with J-1 status are allowed to stay 30 days beyond the program completion date to gather their belongings and make arrangements to return home.

You can obtain a J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the U.S. You should have a “J-1” visa in your passport upon entry to the U.S. Note: Canadians do not require a J-1 visa in order to obtain J-1 status. The expiration date on your visa does not affect how long you may stay in the U.S. whereas the end date on your Form DS-2019 does. The only reason to be concerned with an expired visa is if you wish to leave the U.S. and re-enter.

The FormI-94 is your official “Arrival-Departure Record.” It used to be a small white card that was issued when you arrived in the United States. As of May 2013, the Form I-94 is an electronic document that indicates your port of entry, immigration status, “J-1,” and expiration date. Your expiration date should be “D/S” which means “Duration of Status.” This refers to the date you complete your studies or the end date of your Form DS-2019 (whichever is earlier) plus a 30-day grace period.

How to Maintain J-1 Status

Check-in with Slater International Center for SEVIS registration within 30 days of the program start date indicated on your Form DS-2019

Attend the college/university listed on the DS-2019 used for entry into the U.S.

Engage in a full-course of study during your academic year (12 credits or more)

Maintain a valid passport at all times

Apply for program extension prior to the end date on your Form DS-2019 if you are not able to complete your studies by this date

Receive authorization before engaging in employment

Maintain adequate health insurance and provide documentation

Report a change of address/residence to Slater International Center within 10 days of the change

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Some exchange visitors from certain countries are subject to a requirement to spend two years in their home country before returning to the United States for a long-term stay. Exchange Visitors subject to this requirement include those who (1) have received government funding, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of exchange, (2) worked in a field that appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills list, or (3) participated in a graduate medical training program in the United States sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. If you are subject to the requirement (as indicated on your visa), you must"reside and be physically present" for a total of two years in your country of citizenship or your country of legal permanent residence or apply for a waiver to the requirement. More information is available from the ISSA upon your arrival.

Address Reporting

International students must report their addresses to the Slater International Center within 10 days of arrival. A student who changes her address at any time must update the Slater International Center within 10 days of the change.